Effect of Processing Parameters in Selective Laser Melting (SLM) on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

Eivani, Ali Reza; Sherafati, Javad; Rahmati, Mohammad Ali

doi:10.22067/jmme.2026.97786.1243

Effect of Processing Parameters in Selective Laser Melting (SLM) on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

Ali Reza Eivani

Javad Sherafati

Mohammad Ali Rahmati

School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.

10.22067/jmme.2026.97786.1243

Abstract

Abstract-- Achieving an optimal balance between microstructure and mechanical properties in Ti-6Al-4V alloy produced via selective laser melting (SLM) requires precise control over process parameters. In this study, the effect of SLM process parameters on the mechanical properties and microstructure of this alloy is investigated. Samples were fabricated using the aforementioned powder under conditions of laser power ranging from 180 to 320 W, scanning speeds from 500 to 1500 mm/s, hatch spacing of 80 to 120 μm, and layer thickness of 0.03 mm. In the as-built condition, an acicular martensitic microstructure was achieved, which formed due to the high solidification rate of the process. After heat treatment at 800 °C for one hour, an equilibrium alpha phase developed. The minimum and maximum elongation values were calculated as 0.81% and 4.12%, respectively. The results showed that increasing laser power to 320 W led to microstructural coarsening and a reduction in elongation percentage. Reducing the scanning speed to 500 mm/min at a laser power of approximately 320 W resulted in complete powder melting but caused cracking in the component. Additionally, it was observed that decreasing the hatch spacing reduced the elongation percentage.

Keywords

Additive Manufacturing

Mechanical Properties

Microstructure

Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

Ti-6Al-4V

Subjects